Publisher's Summary

A trailblazing biologist grapples with her role in the biggest scientific discovery of our era: a cheap, easy way of rewriting genetic code, with nearly limitless promise and peril.

Not since the atomic bomb has a technology so alarmed its inventors that they warned the world about its use. Not, that is, until the spring of 2015, when biologist Jennifer Doudna called for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the new gene-editing tool CRISPR - a revolutionary new technology that she helped create - to make heritable changes in human embryos. The cheapest, simplest, most effective way of manipulating DNA ever known, CRISPR may well give us the cure to HIV, genetic diseases, and some cancers and will help address the world's hunger crisis. Yet even the tiniest changes to DNA could have myriad unforeseeable consequences - to say nothing of the ethical and societal repercussions of intentionally mutating embryos to create "better" humans. Writing with fellow researcher Samuel Sternberg, Doudna shares the thrilling story of her discovery and passionately argues that enormous responsibility comes with the ability to rewrite the code of life. With CRISPR, she shows, we have effectively taken control of evolution. What will we do with this unfathomable power?

Maybe it was driven by my personal curiosity but I found this to be an excellent intro to a topic that I've only encountered in exaggerated news clips or poorly written internet blog ramblings.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Philomath

17/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"In to the abyss we ascend, a scary future"

Would you listen to A Crack in Creation again? Why?

Probably not

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What about Erin Bennett’s performance did you like?

Good

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The whole idea shook me not just moved me

Any additional comments?

This book is a must read for everyone. Humanity is on the cusp of changing itself forever and most don't even know it.

I will ignore the mistakes and unintended consequences of the fascinating CRISPR technology, which are scarier and more prevalent than any technology humans have ever created, and let's pretend everything goes as planned, a highly unlikely scenario.

CRISPR technology is basically the editing of genes with what appears to be the at most accuracy, and it is easier and cheaper than pretty much any other important technology man has recently created.

Creating a mouse that glows in the dark, a pig that is the size of a pet dog, a fish which grows legs are things that have already been achieved. Eliminating heritable disease will be next without a doubt, and what after that? Forget a pretty blue eyed child, or a tall muscular athlete, which I'm sure is coming to a theatre next to you soon.

Let's use our imagination, a larger brain, more memory, more stamina, less sleep, high IQ, a human that has gills and can breath underwater and go down the near endless list of living DNA and pick your choice.

At first glance I think, let this not happen, STOP it right now, then I realise the cat is out of the bag, Pandora's box has been opened. It is the ultimate weapon for domination that has all the hallmarks of Eugenics on steroids.

To quote Steven Pinker let's hope "the better nature of our angels" evolves quickly enough to create future humans with compassion and tolerance. The author, probably a great scientist, is an optimist. I truly hope she's right, otherwise this could be a good explanation to Fermi's Paradox. This could potentially be the last mistake humankind makes. Since the next one if we are lucky will be made by an edited human animal that will need a new name.

Fascinating, incredible and scary science, and not necessarily in this order. Highly recommended for those who want to be spooked.

17 of 20 people found this review helpful

S.Knox

12/01/18

Overall

Performance

Story

"Interesting subject matter but not much meat. "

The subject is fascinating and the behind the scenes look at the developments leading up to Crispr were very interesting. Most of the book reads like a Nobel application, carefully acknowledging the contributions of others while preserving the authors preeminent role.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

JMcD

8/09/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"a must read"

wow... so glad you wrote this (and so glad I read it). thank you on so many levels

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Laura

2/09/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Compelling and eye opening!"

I listened to a podcast on Crispr/Cas9 a few years ago. I wanted to build a greater understand if the technology. It's well written & designed for the non-scientist although I was grateful I paid attention in high school biology.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

21/07/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"If you can get past the dripping ego..."

Okay. So the author is brilliant. That is not in question. However, prepare yourself to hear how "amazing" and "brilliant" nearly everyone is that she has come in contact. The story gets quite preachy at parts and has moments of borderline condescension. If you can put this aside, the science is interesting.

23 of 30 people found this review helpful

Mom of four

Laurel, MD

24/06/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Balanced, insightful, pressing"

Prof Doudna's insightful account of this rapidly developing capability -- along with its inherent impact on mankind -- is both balanced and pressing. Recommended and accessible to people of all walks of life. I was unaware of how far genetic engineering has advanced -- stunning, concerning, and inspirational -- all at the same time. IT'S A GREAT BOOK!

8 of 10 people found this review helpful

Jan D. Leslie

salem,nh usa

22/07/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Amazing"

what a wonderful book. Enthusiastically describes an incredible new level of understanding. As well as how the tools that come with it can make all our genetic dreams, and nighmares, come true.

6 of 9 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

1/08/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic, and Enlightening!"

This should be a must read for all who are concerned about the future of the human race. Prof Doudna and her collaborators should receive the Nobel prize for their genius and dedication .

5 of 8 people found this review helpful

Allison wood

11/02/18

Overall

Performance

Story

"A must listen for everyone "

Gene editing is coming faster than anyone would have thought. This book gives a foundation for understanding the technology, the benefits and startling implications of gene editing. So much good can come from this technology yet, in the wrong hands it is overwhelmingly scary to imagine what could happen.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sort by:

Craig

Worsley, United Kingdom

5/11/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Outstanding Science !"

Whilst the science of CRISPR will change everything....and I mean everything, this book is superb at putting the case for both the technical issues and the societal.

One of the best books I have read in a long time!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

M. Griffiths

15/08/17

Overall

Performance

Story

"Gene editing introduction"

From the horse's mouth, this book runs thru the discovery of truly transformational biology. Basic concepts are well explained for the uninitiated and the story is both incredibly important and interesting. The author's presentation of her work was not unlikeable and seemed fair - she has been accused of claiming all the credit.Why not 5 stars? It is a little repetitive and an accompanying pdf is invaluable for this type of book.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Report Inappropriate Content

If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.